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2h ago

High Court Upholds Russia Embassy Lease Cancellation, Orders Compensation

A majority ruling validates the 2023 security law and requires payment for extinguishing the 99‑year lease near Parliament House.

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Russia was granted a 99-year lease in 2008 after paying nearly three million Australian dollars for the site, which sat about 400 metres from the parliamentary precinct
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A fenced construction site with rubble

Overview

  • Russia’s bid to reinstate its Canberra embassy project failed, with the High Court finding the 2023 lease cancellation lawful.
  • The court ruled the government acted within power on national security grounds in cancelling the 2008 lease.
  • Compensation must be paid to Russia for the cancellation, and the federal government must cover the case’s legal costs.
  • The lease had been granted for 99 years in 2008 for $2.75 million, but the site remains vacant after the 2023 cancellation.
  • The government relied on specific ASIO advice kept from public disclosure, while Russia argued the laws were unconstitutional and sought reinstatement or payment.